Preparing the Nursing Job Application

Looking for nurse jobs means filling out job applications. The types of applications vary, so you will need an efficient system to make best use of your time. Applications can sometimes take four to eight hours to fill out, so have all of the information ready, to save time and avoid mistakes such as leaving something out. Here are the essential ingredients for an effective application:

Resume
A resume must catch the employer's attention enough so that he or she will want to read the entire document. It is your chance to emphasize your qualifications and experience. Making the effort to create a good resume is time well spent. It can make the difference in your chance to win your dream job.

The resume must have a well-designed layout. Don't use catchy graphics or a variety of fonts. Stick with one or two fonts, and use bold and italics sparingly. Be sure to include all of your contact information. Leave white space between paragraphs and use indentation to make it easier to read. Edit the document until it captures your qualifications in a succinct manner. Be sure to run spell check, but also print out a copy to proofread. The eye often catches errors more easily on paper than on the screen. Write about your qualifications and experiences in a way that shows the benefit you can provide your employer. Use active verbs and descriptive nouns, without many adverbs and adjectives.

Be sure to include your GPA and a list of extracurricular activities if you are a recent graduate. Employers like to hire well-rounded people, and these items could be what get you an interview.

Cover Letter
The cover letter should be one page and should be adapted to each job application. Research the hospital or medical center and the position that you are applying for, and include in the letter how you fit that atmosphere. Showing how your skills can benefit the facility is more likely to lead to an interview. Let your personality shine through the words of the letter, but don't make it too informal. Here are some things to consider when writing the cover letter:

• Why are you applying for this position?
• Why do you want to work for this organization?
• How do your qualifications fit the job?
• What benefit can you provide this employer?
• What are your career goals and how does this job fit them?

As with the resume, be sure to provide contact information in the cover letter, keep the letter professional, and make certain it is free of grammar and other errors. If needed, have someone else proofread it for you. Use high quality paper and follow standard business letter format. If you need help with the format, find an example in a book or online. A standout cover letter leads the employer to read your resume, where the meat of your qualifications is shown.

The application package, including resume and cover letter, is your introduction to the employer and your best tool for gaining an interview. Make it the best introduction possible.